Hairstyle Tutorial – Fishtail Braided Bun

Amp up the texture in your top knot with this Fishtail Braided Bun. This hairstyle is best for long hair, but you can use extensions or padding to add more volume to the finished look.

This hairstyle is made up of two fishtail braids that twist around to form the top knot. You can’t really tell that it is a fishtail braid when it’s finished, but you do see the beautiful herringbone texture of the braid. Braids are a fantastic way to add texture and detail to any upstyle.

Unfortunately my hair isn’t quite long enough for this hairstyle (yet!) so thanks to my fabulous model, Michaela of Lather Rinse Repeat. Go check out her blog for some of the funniest beauty blogging around. Michaela can find a way to bring Paul Rudd into any beauty conversation and won’t stop at using just one Means Girls’ gif.

Keep reading to get the full step-by-step for this hairstyle and more images.

Fishtail Braided Bun Tutorial

Step-by-step:

Brush your hair and gather all your hair into a high ponytail. Secure with a strong hair elastic. Split your ponytail in two and clip away one half.

Split the other section in two and begin to Fishtail Braid. Hold one side in each hand and keep these separate as you braid. Take a small piece of hair from the left side of the left ponytail and cross it over to the right ponytail. Repeat on the right. Take a small piece of hair from the right side of the right ponytail and cross it over to the left ponytail. Repeat this process all the way down your hair. Each time, cross a small piece of hair from one side to the other. Secure the end of the braid with a small clear elastic.

Repeat, braiding the other half of your ponytail into a Fishtail Braid. Secure the end with a clear elastic.

Take the first braid and twist it up and around the base of your ponytail and pin in place with bobby pins. Repeat with the second braid, twisting in the opposite direction to create a full bun.

Styling secrets

Turn your head upside down to gather all your hair into a high ponytail. This way you can get it to sit high on your crown. Smooth your hair back with fine bristle brush to get the neatest finish.

Stretch out the fishtail braids before you twist them around to form the bun. This emphasizes the delicate shape of the braid and adds more detail to the finished bun. You can still adjust the bun once it is pinned in place, but it is easier to shape the braids before.

Why not try three or four smaller fishtail braids for a more detailed finish? If you aren’t confident with the fishtail braid, just try a regular three strand braid to add interest to your top knot.

Do you add braids into your favorite upstyles?

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